How to Choose Stencil Paints and Brushes

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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When putting your creative talent to use with stencils, make sure you're using the right tools for the job.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Stencil Brushes
Stencil Paints
Stencils
Alphabet Stencils
Fabric Paints
Stencils

Selecting Stencil Applicators

Step 1

Use a stiff stencil brush for dabbing paint onto surfaces.
Step 2

Use a soft stencil brush for rubbing or swirling paint onto surfaces.
Step 3

Use a very soft stencil brush for blending colors onto surfaces.
Step 4

Use smaller stencil brushes for smaller stencil openings and larger stencil brushes for larger stencil openings.
Step 5

Use high-density foam rollers that are rounded at the ends for broad shading and quick applications. After you have applied paint with roller, use a stencil brush for detailed blending.
Step 6

Use cellulose or sea sponges to achieve a multicolored look or when stenciling stone urns or balustrades.

Selecting Stencil Paints

Step 1

Use acrylic and latex paints for surfaces that have a water-based finish coat.
Step 2

Use oil-based paints for surfaces that have an oil-based finish coat.
Step 3

Add glaze to make paint blend more smoothly.
Step 4

Use solid stencil sticks and stencil crayons if you are concerned about paint bleeding under stencils. They blend well but smudge easily.
Step 5

Use fabric paints on cloth and paper.
Step 6

Use an extender glaze to slow drying time and to make paint more opaque.
Step 7

Use an acrylic glaze tinted with raw umber to create shadows.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 12/12/2005 I found when using the large-format wallpaper and floor stencils that the small triangle holes in each corner, allows the stencil to perfectly repeat, both vertically and horizontally. These were the blue mylar type, and I never thought I could get them to line up. It looks great on my wall.